September 10, 2008

Last night's yoga session at the YWCA with Bonnie was quite incredible.

Part of the Partners In Wellness Program for those living with/recovering from cancer, this was the first of 6 sessions.  Bonnie has very generously asked me to assist and lead a short meditation.

I didn't know what to expect, and felt humbled by the women who were participating.  Some were in remission, one was a 5 year survivor, another was receiving treatment--all were direct and courageous.

Going around the circle to introduce ourselves, I offered my slim knowledge during the Asanas, and that I would be happy to lend a hand (literally), just to give me the high sign.  But what I really wanted to say was, "If you feel unbalanced, lean on me.  If you are unsure, look at me, I'll try to model the asana.  If you are tired, here's how to rest."

Bonnie started us out doing simple circles with our hands, arms, feet, all while sitting in our chairs.  We breathed our arms up, exhaled them down.  Even though some of the women described limited range of motion, due to the removal of lymph nodes, all were able to raise their arms tentatively.

For balance, we stood behind our chairs and moved with the breath back and forth.  We were all able to perform a modified Downward FAcing Dog.  Then we removed the chairs and went to table top, where we did some Cat Back (hollow & rounded), then a simple Sunbird. I could feel that this was pushing the edge for some of the women.  In fact, Ruth beside me was having trouble with her wrists in Table Top.  Later I was able to show her how to use her fists.

But when we all reached our arms into the center of our circle in sunbird, I could feel such intense energy!  It was very powerful.  No one was going to be denied!

On our backs, we did the Wind Releasing pose, along with leg lift and lower, working the core.  Ann, who claimed she had zero core strength, surprised me with her control.   She has a great deal of core strength, but can not sense it due to inactive nerves.

Then I led a brief meditation, and felt there was so much more to say, so many places to go with the Golden Flower I encouraged them to open in their heart-spaces.  I asked them to consider that we all have so much to give, but to give to ourselves FIRST!

Next session, I will continue with this motif, go a little deeper with forgiveness--forgiveness for ourselves, our bodies, our minds, our habits, our conditioning, our experience of illness.

And I will say:  Life is fleeting, do not hold back.  Appreciate this precious life.

I only hope I can have a positive influence with these incredible women.  

And I'm sure today there are one or two who have sore muscles, they worked very hard!  I could feel their hard work.